Five imposing arches rise before you. This is the Bothlin Viaduct a testament to Victorian engineering. It’s more than just a bridge. It’s a silent witness to history.
The Bothlin Viaduct carries the Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway over the Bothlin Burn. It also crossed the Monkland and Kirkintilloch Railway. Imagine the steam trains chugging across its length. The viaduct is approximately 300 feet long.
Its design is unique. Three conventional arches grace the east end. Two skewed arches stand at the west end. The older railway ran beneath the second arch from the west. That trackbed is now the A806 Initiative Road. The arches are reinforced with rails. They are a marvel of construction.
A short-lived station once stood nearby. It was called Woodley. A horse-drawn carriage connected it to the main line. This carriage ran to the Kirkintilloch Basin. Passengers transferred between trains.
On December 26 1844 the Monkland and Kirkintilloch Railway opened a new station in Kirkintilloch. It linked with the Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway station. This connection was made possible by the Bothlin Viaduct. It facilitated trade and travel.
Near Lenzie station were two junctions. One led north to Lennoxtown. The other connected to the Monkland and Kirkintilloch Railway. This intersection was called The Bulls Horns. The Bothlin Viaduct played a crucial role. It facilitated efficient railway operation.
Today the Bothlin Viaduct stands as a reminder of a bygone era. It’s a symbol of the industry and innovation that shaped this region. It silently observes the traffic on the Initiative Road. It shows the progress and development in this region. Stand here for a moment. Let its history touch you.